Landlord premises building repair and maintenance  in Cardiff, Newport, Bridgend and South Wales.

We are often asked by landlords about the precise work that is required to ensure that houses meet all regulations and standards for safe occupation.

Here are a few tips that should be considered:

• Make sure that you have obtained any necessary permission for letting.
• Make sure you have any necessary planning permission. This may be needed if you are converting a property to an HMO (i.e. a house in multiple occupation).
• If you are going to do any building work to the property, check to see whether you need approval under the building regulations. Building regulation approval and planning permission are not the same and have to be applied for separately!
• If there are any gas appliances at the property you will need to comply with the Gas Regulations. The appliances will have to be checked by an engineer registered with the Gas Safe Register, who will give you a certificate.
• You will need to comply with all the various product safety regulations. All furniture provided must comply with the Furniture and Furnishings Regulations.
• Under the electrical Equipment Safety Regulations, any electrical equipment provided must be safe. If the items are not new, it is a good idea to have them tested by a bona fide qualified electrician. Make sure also that plugs are properly sleeved and that there is no bare or damaged wire on leads.
•  In addition to the above special regulations you have a duty generally to make sure that the property and everything provided in it is safe.
• Although it is not a general legal requirement at present (unless your property is an HMO), you should get the electrical wiring regularly checked, as you will be held responsible if it is found to be defective.

For more tips on how to safely keep a rented property check out some of the following great information websites:

Landlord Law

Residential Landlords Association

Informed Landlords